With our innovative TowerFarming technology, we rely on flexible vertical cultivation methods for greenhouses or polytunnels that not only maximize space efficiency but also sustainably conserve resources such as water, nutrients, land, and energy.
This creates the perfect symbiosis of maximum yield, minimal ecological footprint, and fresh, regional produce-
directly from the greenhouse of the future.
Through vertical farming, we optimize the use of vertical space, multiplying the available growing area -
maximum yield
in minimal space
Due to the rotating system, precise control, and automation, we achieve the highest yields with minimal effort -
efficient and economical at
the same time
Our circular system uses up to 90% less water, 60% less fertilizer, and requires less space than conventional methods -
for a sustainable production
of tomorrow
Agriculture faces major challenges - open-field farming struggles with climate change, greenhouses require more automation due to labor shortages, and vertical farming in closed environments is too costly.
Thant's why we offer innovativ solutions that make the best possible use of natural sunlight and are so modular that they can be permanently installed in greenhouses and polytunnels or used as temporary systems.
Open-field farming faces major challenges - extreme weather events and climate change cause unpredictable crop failures, while high water consumption in dry regions is a growing concern. Additionally, many soils suffer from erosion and nutrient depletion, leading to declining yields in the long run.
Greenhouses are reaching their limits - a significant amount of valuable space remains unused, as cultivation typically takes place on one single level. At the same time, manually planting and maintaining crops requires extensive labor, while labor shortages further complicate production.
Vertical indoor farms come with high investment and operating costs - since they rely entirely on artificial lighting and climate control. Their high energy consumption makes them unprofitable in many regions. At the same time, consumers are often unwilling to pay higher prices for these products.
Tower-Farming is an innovative cultivation method where plants grown in vertical arranged Towersystems.
Instead of traditional field farming or horizontal NFT-systems , TowerFarming utilizes the vertical space of a room, multiplying the available growing area across multiple levels.
This allows for 10-20 times more plants to be cultivated on the same footprint - making it more efficient, resource-saving, and ideal for a sustainable future of agriculture.
10-12 plants per m2
15-25 plants per m2
160-320 plants per m2
The future lies in the combination of proven technologies with new and innovative solutions to create real added value.
By optimizing the use of available space, practicing resource-efficient management, and implementing automation, we enable sustainable, efficient, and economically viable production.
Our specially developed Towersystem offers maximum flexibility and can be customized to the individual needs and requirements of our customers - both in terms of system height and plant spacing.
The hanging, rotating, and mobile approach unlocks additional potential and provides opportunities for cost-effective automation solutions.
The patented Towersystem consists of eight modular panels that can be flexibly adjusted in length and plant distance.
This modular design offers maximum flexibility, allowing us to tailor the system to different crops and greenhouse sizes.
For planting and harvesting, the panels are positioned horizontally, making the work significantly more ergonomic, efficient, and comfortable.
However, during growth, the plants remain in the space-saving vertical arrangement to optimize the use of available space.
The hanging and rotating system optimizes light conditions and ensures homogeneous photosynthesis.
Through continuous rotation, natural sunlight is maximally utilized, reducing the need for artificial lighting and helping to save energy.
Here you can learn all about our ongoing projects, innovations, and milestones - stay updated on how we are shaping the future of sustainable agriculture.
FrugalTec was actively involved in the opening ceremony of the Tier&Technik Fair on Agriculture 4.0. In addition to being featured in the opening video, we also participated in panel discussions with experts from Agroscope and HAFL to discuss the future of modern agriculture.
During the fair, a fully functional demo system was showcased, attracting a large audience. Young farmers in particular showed great interest. The demo illustrated live how 400-800 plants can be cultivated on just 5 m2 in the greenhouse of the future.
Watch the opening video here: TT26 Intro
In collaboration with the BSBZ Agricultural School in Austria, we conducted a proof of concept. In a greenhouse, a 1:1 comparison between conventional soil cultivation and vertical cultivation was tested on the same area. Three growing cycles (spring, summer, and autumn) were carried out, and key parameters such as water and nutrient consumption, pest infestation, and other factors were analyzed.
The results are promising: 10 times more plants per m2, around 90% less water, higher nutrient density of the plants, and lower pest pressure.
A short report by the Chamber of Agriculture can be found here: LKO Report
FrugalTec participated in the Greenovation Summit 2025. Our CEO and Co-Founder, Sascha Rohner, spoke about vertical farming and the role of circular products.
He emphasized the importance of frugal design, sustainability, and efficiency and explained why we will need to create more value with fewer resources in the future - innovative solutions are required.
Context: Every year, agricultural land equivalent to the size of Iceland (approx. 10 million hectares) is lost worldwide, while the global population increases by 80 million people annually.
Read the full report by Business Class Ost here: Greenovation Summit 2025
In collaboration with the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland, we have won an Innovation Booster on "Future Farming Retail", supported by Innosuisse.
The aims of the project is to further develop the concept of the circular economy and to explore whether tower systems can be used directly at the point of sale (e.g., in a shop or farm store), allowing customers to harvest their fresh salads and herbs on site. Through targeted tests and customer surveys, we will gain valuable insights. The results will be available by mid-2026.
More information can be found here: FHNW
At Invention Geneva 2025, we presented our TowerFarming concept to an international audience for the first time with a 2.5m high demo system. On just 1m2, we demonstrated how up to 320 plants per square meter can be grown in the greenhouse of the future.
Our innovative solution was awarded the silver medal by the international jury, and we were able to establish initial contacts with potential customers.
We combine existing technologies to create innovative solutions that provide real added value.
As experts in product development, production, and hydroponics we focus on simplified, user-oriented "frugal" solutions that stand out through novel approaches.
FrugalTec was founded in 2022 by Jürg, Paul, and Sascha to make plant cultivation more sustainable, efficient, and space-saving, while contributing to the agriculture of tomorrow.
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